Jane-Finch.com receives Heritage Toronto Award.
Clifford Restoration Limited vice president Sam Trigila, left, Woodcliffe Corporation president and CEO Eve Lewis, Jane-Finch.com webmaster Paul Nguyen, Jane-Finch.com producer Sue Chun and Heritage Toronto board chair Peter C. Ortved
Photo/COURTESY
A website dedicated to the Jane Street and Finch Avenue community received a Heritage Toronto Award Tuesday, Oct. 4.
Jane-Finch.com received the Award of Excellence in the media category, which was picked up by founder Paul Nguyen and producer Sue Chun during the ceremony at the Royal Conservatory of Music.
The category salutes projects such as films, videos, websites, and newspaper and magazine articles that educate the public about aspects of Toronto's archaeological, built, cultural and natural heritage and history.
According to its website, Jane-Finch.com is a community broadcaster, digital library, and the first website about Toronto's Jane-Finch community.
Founded by Nguyen, the website officially launched on March 13, 2004, with the goal of creating a better understanding and appreciation of the Jane and Finch community by sharing its cultural and historical beauty.
"It was nerve-wracking," Nguyen said of the ceremony.
"Sometimes they tell you in advance if you've won, but this was like the Academy Awards, we found out that night. I felt proud, because the website is more than just a website. Like the Jane and Finch community, our work is very diverse."
Jane-finch.com, which has received awards from all three levels of government, relies on a team of volunteers and students to keep content flowing and fresh, Nguyen said.
"We're like a family-run operation," he said.
"At the beginning, the website was one page with facts about Jane and Finch. Then we added rap videos from local artists, and that was popular. Now, we're covering political debates. It's important to cover these things, even if a lot of people in Jane and Finch don't vote."
Nguyen, who has held the reins since the website was brought to fruition, said he's hoping someone will eventually take over his post.
"I'd like some new blood on the website," he said. "The website doesn't receive funding. I want to find like-minded people who can find solutions to keep the site going. It takes passion and dedication to prevail, you don't need money."
The Toronto Heritage Awards, now in their 37th year, celebrate outstanding contributions by individuals and community organizations, as well as industry professionals and associations, in promoting and conserving Toronto's history and heritage landmarks.